acorn autism specialists

A NICE compliant practice, with highly specialist registered clinicians

Acorn Private Assessments

• We offer private Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) assessments for children (three years and over), young people and adults.
• Our approach is gentle and personalized, ensuring a relaxed and calm diagnostic process for you.
• We understand how important the outcome is for the person and their family.
• For children and adolescents, we use the "Gold standard" assessment tools the ADOS-2, and ADI-R.

Gold Assessment

• For adults, we use the "Gold standard" assessment tools ADOS-2, and a diagnostic interview, selected depending on individual circumstances, which can be either the ACIA, ADI-R or DISCO, as accredited by the National Autistic Society.
• All assessment instruments are comprehensive and meet recommended clinical guidelines set by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence for children and for adults.

Acorn Support and Care

• You will receive continuous support throughout the diagnostic journey, with a dedicated key clinician as your primary point of contact.
• Our assessment methodology is meticulous; we take pride in employing the finest diagnostic instruments. The entire assessment process is conducted by a team of two clinicians from Clinical Psychology, and Speech and Language Therapy.

The autism diagnostic assessment is a highly specialized evaluation. Shortcuts are not an option. Opting for a less rigorous assessment, whether online or with an individual professional, increases the likelihood of misdiagnosis or incorrect diagnosis.

Regardless of whether the result is a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder or confirmation that you, or your child, do not meet the criteria for ASD, our goal is to help you gain a clearer understanding of the situation for you or your child.

Acorn Assessments

With you every step

The same experienced Multi-Disciplinary Team (Clinical Psychologist and Speech and Language Therapist) will be with you through the whole "Gold standard" assessment.

Face to face assessments

Personal support during the diagnostic process with face to face assessments. A more personal, reliable and robust assessment than online counterparts.

Full Potential

A detailed, person-centred report containing recommendations to support children and adults to achieve their full potential towards achieving well-being and success.

The personal touch

A calm, friendly, personal approach in a lovely quiet assessment studio in the middle of the Essex countryside. Easy access and parking to reduce travel anxiety.

First - The Beginning

• Initial contact through our website or phone
• Complete the appropriate screening online
• Complete the registration form online
• A key clinician will contact you to discuss the screen, registration form and offer an appointment, if appropriate

Next - The Assessment

• Face to face ADOS-2 assessment at our autism friendly clinic in the Essex countryside with easy access and parking
• Developmental interview using the ADI-R either online or in person depending on Covid restrictions and preference
• The assessment will be conducted with the same Multi-Disciplinary Team (Clinical Psychology and Speech and Language Therapy) throughout to ensure continuity of care and anxiety reduction

Then - The outcome

• Key Clinician phone call or email (dependent on your choice) to deliver the outcome of assessment to you within 24 hours after the completion of the assessment
• Diagnostic draft report written and forwarded to you within 14 days following outcome
• Appointment offered for feedback with key clinician to discuss report and recommendations
• Final report provided which may also be shared with your GP at your request